"What does he want you to tell me?" Annalise prompted.Cole glanced at Lizzie, then braced himself and said, "Ms. Lizzie also paid me to follow Ms. Starr. She wanted me to keep an eye on her and report any movements to you immediately…"Lizzie's expression changed, and she angrily retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? When did I ever ask you to do that?""Ms. Lizzie, please don't make it hard for me. Mr. Ford said if I didn't tell Mrs. Ford the truth, he'd break one of my legs…" Cole kept his head down.Lizzie's expression turned extremely unpleasant.Annalise asked her, "Lizzie, did you also hire Mr. Massey to follow them?"Lizzie's face turned pale, and she explained softly, "Aunt Anna, you asked me to try pursuing Blake last time, but he pushed me away and went to Yasmin. I was just too upset, so I did this…"Annalise looked at Lizzie. She was exceptionally beautiful, and her eyes were starting to well up with tears.Annalise couldn't bear to blame her anymore and said,
As such, Yasmin was stuck with Blake whether she liked it or not.Yasmin did not take a bath immediately after entering the bathroom. Instead, she spaced out while sitting on the toilet.Blake hovered outside the bathroom. When he did not hear the sound of running water after a while, he walked toward the bathroom and opened the door. He let out a sigh when he saw that Yasmin had fallen asleep on the toilet.He gently picked her drunken form up and took off her clothes, then set her down inside the bathtub. Having eased her into a sitting position, he grabbed the showerhead and proceeded to wash her.Yasmin woke up mid-shower. Her gaze fell on the man before her, then on her naked body. She sobered up immediately and quickly covered her chest with her hands.Blake smirked at this. "Don't bother. I've already seen everything."Yasmin's face darkened. "I didn't ask you to bathe me.""Who did you expect to bathe you in your sorry, drunken state?" he retorted, not that he would ha
Yasmin stiffened at the sudden movement and turned to look at Blake in bewilderment. "What are you doing?""You're sleeping in my arms tonight," Blake said in a hushed tone.A humorless smile tugged at her lips. "Be reasonable, will you? I've already agreed to share your bed. What more do you want? Why must you cross the line and push my buttons?""I'm not the one doing the pushing here," he growled. "Even after you agreed to sleep in my bed, you pulled the covers over your head and sank so close to the edge you could've fallen over. Are you trying to tell me you find me repulsive through your actions?"Yasmin retorted sharply, "Are you going to argue that what you're doing to me is not repulsive and that you don't deserve my hatred?"She doubted anyone in their right mind would tolerate such brutish coercion. She couldn't understand why Blake couldn't respect her boundaries after she had made it clear that she didn't want to be with him.She even told him that they would never w
Blake leaned over and kissed Yasmin's damp hair, murmuring hoarsely, "It's almost daybreak. Get some sleep."His scent overwhelmed her senses. She looked like she had just recalled something, and in the next moment, her stomach churned. Without warning, she leaned over the side of the bed and hurled.She threw up once, twice—only for her to retch again.Blake's eyes widened at the sight of this. He looked around for his phone, and upon finding it, made a call to the doctor.Joel showed up moments later with the therapist in tow, at which point Blake was holding Yasmin's limp figure in his arms. She was quiet and seemingly lifeless, akin to that of a porcelain doll.Joel froze as Blake ordered, "Tend to her."With that, Blake left.The therapist was the one who inspected Yasmin's injuries. When she lifted Yasmin's shirt and found purplish-red marks imprinted on the latter's skin, she gasped. She immediately told Joel about this, who in turn frowned and headed out the door.Bla
Outside the window, the sky gradually darkened as night fell. Upon returning home, Blake went upstairs to find Yasmin sketching in the bedroom with her back facing the door. She seemed engrossed in her work.Blake leaned against the doorway and watched her for a while. At that moment, Mary came up with the dinner tray. Noticing her, Blake offered, "Here, I'll bring the tray in."Mary handed the tray to him. He brought it into the room and prompted gently, "Time for dinner, Yaz."Yasmin turned around and eyed him stonily. "Just leave it there."Blake said nothing as he set the tray down. He then walked over to her work table and watched her sketch with a tender look in his eyes.She felt her skin crawl under his gaze, and she couldn't work with him breathing down her neck. She turned her face to the side and snapped, "You can go now."Yasmin's mood had improved over the last few days since Blake started sleeping in his study. She appreciated the peace that came with his absence.
Yasmin sneered. She knew as well as Blake did that the bodyguards would not be protecting her so much as they would be monitoring her every move.Blake added, "You'll be working from home from now on. You're allowed to visit your father once a week, but that's about it. A life like this doesn't seem too bad to me."This was the arrangement he was happiest with. He could watch over her while she worked from home and keep her from harm. He was certain that Annalise would move on after things on Stuart's end had been resolved.Blake had ignored Yasmin's need for autonomy and freedom in favor of his proposition. She scowled and spat, "No.""Why not?" he pressed. "If you stay here, I can protect you at all times.""I already told you that you were the reason I was in any real danger in the first place! I'll be fine once we go our separate ways." She would be free, too.Blake made no reply. After a long beat of silence, he repeated, "This is for the best."Yasmin stared at him incredu
Yasmin asked, "And what way is that?""A way to save both you and your father from Blake, but I'll need your full cooperation, okay?" Ivan paused before adding, "I need you to tell me honestly, Yasmin—do you want to be with Blake?""Not anymore," she answered after a moment of thought. Reality had proven that she and Blake would never work out. They were like two broken puzzle pieces that could not be fixed or glued together by force.She had grown tired of this relationship. They were better off separated instead of being trapped in this constant tug-of-war.Upon hearing this, Ivan said, "Your birthday is in a week. If you want to leave him, that's your best chance."Yasmin figured Ivan was suggesting that she escape again. She shook her head. "Ivo, there's no use in running. Blake has his men watching me and my father like hawks. No matter where we go, he'll hunt us down and drag us back.""Under normal circumstances, your chances of getting away are slim to none," Ivan said sl
Blake wrapped an arm around Yasmin's shoulders, sounding so indulgent that it made her skin crawl. She asked warily, "What is it?""You'll see," he said with a smile as he pushed the door open.The studio he had designed and built for her was large. It was equipped with a sewing machine, a cloth-cutting machine, a work desk, dummies, and work lamps. The studio had everything a designer could ever need, and the natural light that poured through the balcony windows was a designer's dream.Yasmin's jaw dropped. She wasn't so much shocked by the fully functional studio as she was mortified that this was part of Blake's plan to imprison her. Why else would he build her a studio like this if not to trap her in this house forever?She was still dumbfounded when Blake hugged her from behind and murmured close to her ear, "Do you like it? I built this place for you. You can work here every day after this. I won't stop you from taking orders and sketching from home; at least it would kee
Pamela thought that Yasmin's voice sounded strange, but since Yasmin was an important client, she didn't dare offend her.Politely, she replied, "It's okay. Please take your time.""Alright, please leave for now. I'll look for you once I'm finished here," Yasmin said in a strained voice."Okay." Pamela left soon after.Once she was gone, Yasmin awkwardly tapped Blake's shoulder. "Alright, stop it. You almost got us caught just now."Blake was now satisfied. A man who had been sated was no longer as surly. He became shockingly gentle, wrapping his arms around her waist and saying, "Join me for dinner later.""Okay," Yasmin weakly agreed. "Please let me go now."Blake finally released his hold on her. Yasmin's legs felt like jelly, and she nearly stumbled as soon as he let go.He steadied her and looked down at the torn train of the wedding dress. The front, however, still looked fine. He smiled and said, "You still look beautiful in the wedding dress."Yasmin glanced at the mir
Blake didn't respond, choosing instead to stare at Yasmin. She had just removed the tiara, letting her long hair cascade over her left shoulder. This brought attention to her fair skin and made her appear as if she was an otherworldly beauty.No wonder Ivan had been mesmerized earlier. A woman in a wedding dress truly possessed a sacred kind of elegance.Blake's gaze traveled down to her chest. She looked exquisite, but something was missing—the ring. His face darkened as he asked, "Where's the ring?""I took it off when I was trying on the wedding dress. I put it in my bag," Yasmin replied. She turned around to retrieve it for him.Maybe it was the way the wedding dress hugged her slender figure, or the graceful way she bent down to pick up the ring, her hips subtly lifting. Either way, the movement exuded an undeniable allure.Blake suddenly felt an overwhelming urge rise from within him. He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her waist as if possessed.Yasmin froze
Ivan sneered in response. "Oh? Do you want to come over and have a drink at the wedding?""There's no need for a wedding toast, but I'll send you a nice little gift soon. You've had Lizzie abducted, and I haven't settled that score yet." Blake's tone was cold and menacing.Still, Ivan wasn't afraid. He took a couple of steps forward, smirking as he said, "Feel free to try—but you should think it through. You have more loved ones than I do. "Besides your mother and Lizzie, there's also your grandmother. I could blow up your mother's hospital today, kidnap Lizzie tomorrow, and have your grandmother killed the day after."Blake's cold laughter came through the phone. "Is that so? Well then, I guess I need to send you a big gift today."The two men continued their exchange from a distance. Yasmin, who was unable to hear the conversation clearly, was trembling with fear. She was terrified of what they might be discussing.It was at this moment when Wendy hurried in from outside. She
Yasmin stepped into the fitting room and changed into the wedding dress. When she emerged, her long hair was elegantly pinned up, and her red lips were vibrant. It made her look breathtakingly beautiful.Ivan saw her and was momentarily stunned. His gaze was unwavering as he stared wide-eyed. Then, he caught himself and smiled. "Yasmin, you look stunning."She gave a slight smile in response, adding to her allure.Ivan was almost entranced. He picked up a crystal-encrusted tiara from nearby and placed it on her head. She glanced upward, her eyes sparkling as she stood there in the white wedding dress. She looked absolutely mesmerizing, and Ivan couldn't take his eyes off her.Meanwhile, Blake watched from across the street with a growing sense of jealousy. The sight of them together made him smirk cynically. Unable to contain himself, he pulled out his phone and called Yasmin.He didn't want to see them looking so perfect together. It irritated him to no end.When Yasmin's ph
Yasmin's heart ached as she listened, her eyes reddening. "You're doing great, Trist. If Mom were with you right now, I'd definitely give you a big hug."Tristan mumbled, "Mom, stop acting like it's the end of the world. You sound so sentimental. I'm doing just fine here. I've got friends to play with and plenty of household staff members to look after me. "You just take care of yourself in Merania, and do whatever you need to do. Once you're in Rimmervale, we'll see each other again."Yasmin nodded. "Yes, we'll see each other very soon."Just then, the door swung open, and there Ivan stood in the doorway. Yasmin jumped in surprise and instinctively ended the video call."Why are you crying?" Ivan asked, noticing her red eyes.Yasmin wiped her tears and smiled. "It's nothing. I just miss Trist."Ivan understood that being a mother made Yasmin emotional whenever she thought about her child. He then asked, "By the way, how was Trist's winter camp? When is he coming back?"Feelin
Yasmin huffed in exasperation. "I just stole his proposal a few days ago, and now he's starting to get suspicious. If I tell him I don't want to take wedding photos, he'll be on to me for sure. If he gets suspicious, my plan will be completely ruined."Blake remained silent on the other end of the line.Yasmin sighed and continued, "It's really not a big deal. This is the last thing I need to do with him. The wedding is in seven days—it'll all be over by then.""When are the wedding photos being taken?" Blake asked.Yasmin hesitated before answering, "Didn't I already tell you? The day after tomorrow, in the afternoon."Blake only replied with a simple, "It's late. Go to sleep." Then, he ended the call.Yasmin could tell he was not all too pleased, but she really didn't want to stir up more trouble than necessary. There were just seven more days to go—Yasmin wanted to get through the final spurt safely and smoothly.…On the day of the wedding dress fitting, Yasmin was having b
Yasmin had no idea what Ivan would do to her if he learned the truth. She feared that if she angered him, he might lock her up somewhere no one would ever find her."I did that because my grandma suggested it to me," Yasmin explained."Your grandma knows about all of this?" Blake asked."Of course. Do you think someone as sharp as her wouldn't notice that every time you visited, we disappeared for hours? She figured it out a long time ago and asked me what was going on between us.""So, you told her everything about us?""Yes, she knows we've reconciled. I even planted a listening device on Ivan. We're hoping to acquire evidence of his illegal activities." Yasmin nodded as she spoke."Did your grandma suggest that to you too?"Yasmin replied briefly, "Yes."Blake let out a soft laugh. "Your grandma is quite the master of strategies.""She really is," Yasmin agreed with a smile. But seconds later, her expression grew serious. "Blake, there's something I need to tell you.""Wha
Yasmin's face turned pale as she realized the extent of the surveillance at the Burke residence."Can the surveillance footage from the study be deleted?" Yasmin asked at the time.The housekeeper shook her head. "It can't be deleted. The surveillance is linked to Mr. Burke's computer. His computer is password-protected, and only he has access to it."Yasmin's heart sank at the news. She knew that once Blake made his move to sabotage Ivan's project, Ivan would inevitably discover that she was involved.Hence, she had already discussed a plan with Imogen to handle the situation. Although the process had been nerve-wracking, everything had gone smoothly. Ivan seemed to believe her explanation.With the project now in jeopardy, Ivan would likely need additional funding, which meant it was unlikely that he would call off the engagement. Yasmin assured herself that Ivan wouldn't do anything drastic to her—not when he needed money from Sander International.After seeing Ivan off, Yasmi
Ivan gently touched Yasmin's face and said softly, "Forget it. Four years ago, you did wrong by him. It's understandable that he threatened you. But don't worry, I've already forced him back to Stanton City."Soon, I'll deal with everyone who has wronged you. I'll make him miserable and ensure he has no time to harass you."Yasmin stared at him in surprise. "Ivo, what are you going to do to those people?""I won't let a single person who hurt you get away with it. However they treated you, I'll make sure they experience the same," Ivan said, his eyes dark with resolve.Yasmin took a deep breath, unable to find the right words.Ivan seemed to realize that his current expression was too grim. He softened his demeanor and asked with a forced smile, "Let me see what you bought for me."Yasmin quickly snapped back to attention and began showing him the gifts she had purchased. Since she had never bought him anything before, Ivan looked somewhat dazed as he looked at the gifts.He pic